Vesuvian landscapes meets Volvo Amazon 131 at theprintspace Gallery

theprintspace displays the works of two artists at their gallery in Shoreditch. “New Vesuvian landscapes” by Gigi Cifali can be seen next to Paul Shearsmith’s life size representation of his Volvo Amazon 131 from the 21.02 - 13.03.

PRLog - Feb. 19, 2013 - London, 19/02/13 – For the first time theprintspace displays the works of two artists at their gallery in Shoreditch. The circular “New Vesuvian landscapes” by Gigi Cifali can be seen next to Paul Shearsmith’s life size representation of his blue Volvo Amazon 131. from the 21st of February to 13th of March. Admission is free.

“New Vesuvian landscapes” (Series 1 of 6) by Gigi Cifali

The three circular “New Vesuvian landscapes” by Gigi Cifali were taken at the foot of Vesuvius, a dormant volcano in the gulf of Naples, Italy. The volcano is notorious, not only for its unique landscape, but also for the human tragedies it has dispensed in the past.

Today the Vesuvius area is experiencing a turnaround. The recent inactivity of the volcano has led to increased overbuilding throughout the lower slopes. The result is a sprawling settlement, against all logic and rules: palazzos and villas, hotels and restaurants all lay their foundations on the shaky ground of Vesuvius. Cifali’s photographs document this situation and offer a broad look at the symbolic paradox of the identifying characteristics of place.

Gigi Cifali lives and works in London. After finishing his Master’s degree in Photojournalism at Westminster University his works have been displayed in Italy, the United States and the UK. Cifali has been awarded with the first place in the architecture category at the Best in Show International Photography Awards, New York. His works have been featured in Good Magazine US, Insight Magazine UK, Fourdays Magazine UK/Germany, Watch Russia and The Baide Pais Basque.

“Amazon 131” by Paul Shearsmith

“Amazon 131” by Paul Shearsmith is a life size representation of his 1989 Volvo Amazon 131. Over time the architect and photographer has come to see his blue Volvo as a piece of ongoing sculpture.

Shearsmith first bought it with the intention of ‘doing it up’, but after several knocks and insurance write-offs, he decided to do just enough to keep it on the road. Such this is the state of the car now.

Originally, Shearsmith wanted to make a full size model of his Volvo in the style of a paper cut out toy, but soon discovered this to be unfeasible at full size. As he still wanted a life size representation of his car, he photographed one side and mounted it onto four rigid panels. These were then laser-cut so as to fit together as a large simple jigsaw.

In 1972 Paul Shearsmith left Leeds school of Architecture and moved to London. He began playing the trumpet and played at various pubs around London and with The London Musicians Collective in Camden. After meeting the sound sculptures Echo City, Shearsmith started working on sound installations and toured the world with his works. Currently he is involved with several groups including The Fujii, KMat, APE, The Jerico Orchestra, YA Basta and The Lad form Tad and the Train Shakers.